Various Taco Bell locations in and around East Lansing had long provided a free taco to anyone who proved by way of ticket stub they had attended an MSU basketball wherein the Spartans scored at least 70 points. But the fast food giant ended that time-honored promotion this year.

"The sponsorship agreement with them ran out," MSU associate athletic director Paul Schager said, "and they decided not to renew it, although it was a fan-favorite and something very positive and very popular.

"We did our best to convince them to continue the deal, but they opted out this year."

Schager said the promotion had been in place since 2004. He said it was a good partnership for both parties, but Taco Bell's corporate officials made the call to end the deal.

"The store managers in the area were very supportive of it because it drew good business for them, but it was a corporate decision," Schager said.

Taco Bell locations that participated in the promotion included the two nearest MSU's campus: 601 E. Grand River Ave. and 1051 Trowbridge Road. Other Taco Bell stores in the region took part over the years, too, Schager said.

Traditionally, when the Spartans surpassed the 70-point total, Breslin Center public address announcer Terry Braverman would inform the thousands in attendance, "You have tacos!" And in recent years, the arena's scoreboard and video panel ring would display those same words.

But those traditions have been absent this season since the promotion ended. Still, many Izzone members and MSU fans appear to be unaware as long lines of free taco-seeking customers have persisted at the two nearby Taco Bell locations after recent basketball games.

Following MSU's win over Portland Monday night, workers at East Lansing's Grand River Avenue Taco Bell hung flyers throughout the restaurant informing patrons the free taco promotion was no more.